A very fine effort from Sokol-Blosser, the 1994 Pinot Noir Redland is, in principle, its Reserve Pinot Noir selection. Exhibiting toasty new oak in the nose, it is more backward, with a deeper, more saturated ruby/purple color than the regular bottling. At present the wine is closed, with the wood exerting more influence than it will after the wine has been in the bottle another 4-5 months. There is plenty of ripe, sweet fruit, adequate acidity, and a medium to full-bodied, well-structured, tannic finish. If the tannin melts away, this wine, one of the finest Pinot Noirs Sokol-Blosser has made, could easily merit an outstanding score. It will have 8-10 years of aging potential.Tel. (503) 864-2282

The 1993 Redland Pinot Noir displays a darker ruby color than the 1993 Pinot Noir, as well as a polished, highly-filtered appearance. Although the wine's aromatics are tight, they emerge to reveal attractive jammy, cherry fruit supported by spicy wood. The wine is not as flattering to taste as the regular bottling, displaying more tannin and structure. While there is more depth, I wonder if the tannin will eventually win the war between the fruit and structure. Additionally, the finish is dry and austere, but I will give it the benefit of the doubt. Do not touch a bottle for at least another 1-2 years.This wine is made from a blend of grapes grown in the Durante Vineyard (25%), Hyland Vineyard (25%), and Sokol Blosser's Estate Vineyard (50%).Tel. (503) 864-2282

The 1992 Pinot Noir Redland Vineyard, essentially a Reserve selection usually made from the oldest parcels in the Durant and Highland vineyards, exhibits more ripeness than the 1992 Pinot Noir, a touch of herbaceousness, and a fuller-bodied, firmer structure. The wine possesses good red and black fruit character, an attractive, forthcoming bouquet, but more backward flavors. It should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (503) 864-2282.

Although Sokol Blosser's 1991 red wines are good, they are not as complex or rich as their 1990s. The 1991 Pinot Noir-Redland Vineyard exhibits even more herbaceousness in the nose, as well as higher acidity, fine purity and ripeness, and a medium-bodied, spicy finish. While I enjoyed these wines, I would have liked to have seen more depth. Drink over the next 3-4 years.

The 1990 Pinot Noir-Redland Vineyard is a beautiful example of this varietal. Deep ruby-colored, with an explosive nose of sweet, toasty oak, berry fruit, smoked herbs and meats, and a subtle touch of vanillin, this rich, full-bodied wine has exquisite balance, elegance combined with power, and superb depth of fruit in the long, lush finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Bravo!This is an impressive quartet of wines. While Sokol Blosser has made good wines from their founding, the quality of their recent vintages has been noticeably higher.